Tours from Almaty are ready-made packages where flights, hotel and transfer are combined into one deal. Departures are charter and scheduled, most often to Istanbul, Antalya, Dubai, Sharm El Sheikh and Phuket. Prices depend on the season and how far in advance you book. It is most comfortable to plan two to three months before the date.
Seasons and weather: when is the best time to plan a trip?
Weather and season decide what your vacation will be like. Some destinations come alive in the heat, others under the snow. Let's break down when tours bring pleasure and when they bring disappointment.
Beach season at southern resorts
Warm water in the south lasts from May to October, and during this period tours to Turkey and Egypt are especially in demand. In the UAE it is comfortable from November to March, when the heat subsides. During Nauryz and the May holidays, demand for packages rises sharply, so it is worth selecting options two to three months before departure. Early planning helps catch reasonable prices. Last minute tours at the beginning and end of the season cost less, but the choice of hotels there is more modest. It is convenient to compare conditions by season like this:
Ski season in the mountains
Stable snow in the mountains of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan lies from December to the end of March, and tours for this period are bought up in advance. In December the daylight hours are short, and in some places there is little snow cover. January and February are the most stable months for skiing. March pleases with sun and mild weather, but the snow melts. On holidays the slopes are crowded, so booking should be opened a month to a month and a half in advance. Short weekend packages are also suitable for a holiday in the mountains.
Documents and visas before departure
Preparing papers for a tour is a stage that cannot be postponed. Peace of mind at the border depends on how correctly the package is assembled.
Passport validity
If it expires earlier, a replacement will have to be done before the trip. Check this point before you start selecting vacation options. Otherwise you can lose money for already purchased airline tickets.
Visa destinations and package assembly
This applies to the Schengen area, the USA, Japan. Preparation must begin simultaneously with choosing a tour. Usually application forms, photographs, confirmation of hotel booking and financial guarantees are required. The exact list depends on the country and changes.
Packing for the road: money, communications and first aid kit
Finances and communications for a tour are thought through in advance, although they are remembered at the last moment. Let's break down the basic things that will simplify the trip.
Currency exchange and bank cards
It is more profitable to exchange currency at exchange offices in Almaty before departure, and not at the airport. The rate at the air hub is usually less favorable, and the queue can take time. Cards from Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere, especially in Southeast Asia. Therefore it is worth taking cash dollars or euros for the first time. They are easy to exchange on site at banks or exchange points. Small notes will be useful for taxi and tips. Large sums are better kept in the hotel safe.
SIM card, roaming and communication with home
Roaming with Kazakh operators is expensive, so it is more convenient to buy a local SIM card upon arrival. At the airport or the nearest store this takes a few minutes. This option gives cheap internet and calls. If the trip is short, you can consider tourist tariffs from your operator. Before departure, check whether your phone works in the required frequency range. Install messengers in advance to communicate with family. This will help you stay in touch without unnecessary expenses.
Holidays with children: what to consider in advance
Traveling with a child requires attention to detail. Children's comfort directly affects the mood of the whole family.
Flight and time difference
The time difference with Turkey and the UAE is minimal, while with Thailand and Vietnam it is two to three hours. This is important to consider when flying with children on a tour. In hot countries, acclimatization takes one or two days. On the first day it is better not to plan long excursions and trips. For children under two years old, a ticket is usually issued without a separate seat. If you are flying with a baby, check the airline's rules for carrying a stroller and food in advance. Night flights are harder for children to endure, so choose daytime flights if possible.
Accommodation and meals at the resort
When choosing a hotel, check in advance for a baby crib, high chair and menu. Not all hotels provide these amenities for free. At resorts, all inclusive and half board systems are popular. The price difference between them is noticeable on a long holiday. For a family with children, the first option is often more profitable, as it removes the issue of finding food. If the child is picky about food, check whether the menu has familiar dishes. The return flight from hot countries is often at night, so it is better to order a transfer to the hotel in advance. Convenient logistics will save you from unnecessary stress.
Safety and health during the trip
Health and safety cannot be left to chance. Thoughtful preparation will help avoid serious problems.
Insurance policy and medical care
Medical care abroad is paid, so keep the policy and contacts of the insurance company at hand. For Schengen countries, insurance is mandatory with coverage from 30,000 euros. It covers the costs of a doctor, hospitalization and emergency evacuation. Before buying a tour, check which cases are included in the coverage. Ordinary tourist policies do not always include exacerbation of chronic diseases. Save the insurance number in your phone and on paper.
Medicines and transportation rules
In the UAE and Thailand, strict rules apply to the transportation of medications, so it is better to have a prescription for the drug with you. This applies even to common painkillers and blood pressure remedies. It is worth assembling a first aid kit in advance, including fever reducers, antiseptics, and allergy remedies. Liquids in carry-on baggage are limited, so it is more convenient to take tablets in blister packs. If you take medications regularly, take a supply for the entire duration of the trip. It is better to leave packages with expired expiration dates at home.
Briefly
- The beach season in the south lasts from May to October; in the UAE it is comfortable from November to March.
- The ski season in the mountains of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan runs from December to the end of March.
- During holidays, demand increases, so it is better to prepare for the trip two to three months in advance.
